'Les MisÉrables'

Opening Thursday: I once played golf with a guy who said he sees every "Les Miz" he can — something like 19 or 20 at the time. If you love this redemptive show, or even if you've never seen it, Bloomington Civic Theatre has put together some impressive talent for a production that opens Thursday. Dieter Bierbrauer, a favorite from Chanhassen and Latté Da, will play the escaped convict/hero Jean Valjean. William Gilness, another Equity actor with substantial credits, is the ruthless Javert. Carl Schoenborn and Sally Ann Wright are the Thenardiers ("Master of the House"). Karen Weber directs with Ivey-winning choreographer Michael Matthew Farrell. Anita Ruth is in her familiar spot as music director. (7:30 p.m. Thu.-Sat., 2 p.m. next Sun. $25-$35. Ends Nov. 16. Bloomington Center for the Arts, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd. 952-563-8575, www.btacmn.org.)